2, 4 AND 8-WEEK
CNC GUITAR MAKING
COURSES
CNC GUITAR MAKING
Thank you for your interest in one of our CNC for Guitar Building Courses. We are now offering a variety of courses ranging from a one-week ‘introductory’ course to a four-week ‘intermediate’ and eight-week ‘advanced’ CNC program in our shop. These courses were designed for students wishing to compliment their existing knowledge of guitar-making or for those looking to simply gain an understanding of the CNC as it pertains to guitar making. Even if you’re a hobbyist looking to incorporate the CNC into your creative workflow, we offer an on-site, hands-on program to suit.
For course details and answers to common questions, continue reading...
Michael Whitney | Luthier, Instructor
Starting at $2900 CDN | NEXT START DATE: September 12 - *End Dates Vary
We ask that you review our School Policies before registering.
WHY THE CNC?
CNC machines have been used by larger guitar building companies for many decades as they allow for consistent and repeatable results in manufacturing. From simple jigs, templates and fixtures to complete guitar design and production, the CNC should be considered as yet another tool in one’s shop to leverage both time and efficiency.
BUT ISN'T THE CNC 'CHEATING'?
Make no mistake – the CNC is not ‘magic’ by any means, and there is not a secret ‘guitar button’ that one can simply hit, and ‘presto!’. Rather, the CNC will do what you program it to do – nothing more, and nothing less. Anyone who has gained experience and an understanding of CAD (computer aided design) and CAM (computer aided manufacturing) will agree that there is a completely new level of artistic and technical knowledge required to achieve satisfying results with this technology.
While purists may argue that the CNC has no place in a ‘true’ luthier’s shop, one could say the same of any power tool! It is my opinion that marrying traditional and modern methods of guitar construction should be considered an asset both for the individual builder as well as for someone looking to be hired as a guitar maker by any of the bigger players out there.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM YOUR CNC COURSE?
In short, CAD and CAM training as well as hands-on experience with the CNC is an invaluable asset for students seeking employment in the guitar making field. Most recently, the cost of high quality CNC machines has continued to become more affordable and there is now a wide range of robust ‘hobbyist’ machines suited to smaller shops and individual luthiers.
To summarize, the very high accuracy and repeatability of CNC machining allows for practical alternatives as well as a supplement to traditional jig-guided power- and hand-tools.
During any of the CNC courses we offer, from design to production as either ‘makers’ or hobbyists, students will learn all the skills needed to create consistent parts and to bring their creative ideas to light. While this course is geared to the art of guitar making, the ‘2-week Introductory Course’, in particular, would be suitable for any ‘maker’ looking for a comprehensive ground-up approach to CNC design and manufacturing.
COURSE SNAPSHOT
Our 2-week Introductory CNC Course runs for ten days (spanning two weeks) and covers both CAD and CAM components such as drafting jigs, designing signs and making smaller projects such as boxes and guitar parts (if that is your area of interest) using Rhino 3D and Carbide Create to generate tool-paths and G-code from 3D models.
Our 4-week Intermediate CNC Course runs for 20 days (spanning one month) and explores both CAD and CAM components more deeply than the 2-week course. Building upon smaller projects, students will then model a complete guitar body and neck using Rhino 3D and later move into Fusion 360 to generate tool-paths and G-code from 3D models.
We conclude the course by CNC milling both a Tele-style guitar body and neck using the Shapeoko and Carbide Motion controller software. Time permitting students will sand, hand-finish, install hardware and electronics and finish with the final setup of the instrument.
Our 8-week Advanced CNC Course runs for 40 days (spanning two months) and takes a deep-dive into advanced CAD modelling and CAM processes. Building upon the previous two shorter courses, students will complete the course in a more self-directed manner as they work on their own unique guitar or bass body and neck using Rhino 3D and Fusion 360 for their final project. The program wraps up with milling of the project on the CNC.
Note: as every student learns at a different pace and our focus with this course is on CAD / CAM, we can’t guarantee your guitar will be fully assembled. If a finished and playable guitar is your goal, you may want to consider one of our other guitar building courses.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Harrison Vos - 1 Month Graduate, Oregon USA
The program was well-constructed and delivered!
Mike was an absolute pleasure to have as a teacher! His products are up to the highest standards, and his program was equally well-constructed and delivered. It was fascinating, and much easier than I anticipated, to learn the basics of CAD and CAM software, and to make my own guitar from scratch using the CNC! If woodworking, guitar building, or CNC interest you, you should seriously consider taking a course with Mike. He’ll make it worth your while. Thanks Mike!
Miles Staley - 2 Month Graduate, Kelowna BC, CANADA
Project-based and focused…
The course was very project-based and focused on hands-on learning... I implore any aspiring (or experienced!) creatives interested in learning guitar making, to explore this wonderful opportunity!
Very project-based and focused on hands-on learning.
The ‘CNC for Guitar Building’ course was very project-based and focused on hands-on learning. When I began the course I had no experience of any kind with CAD. Having just finished the two month course, I now have two more beautiful instruments to show for it, as well as the knowledge and ability to create and manufacture any of my designs exactly how I want them. My time with Mike was an absolute pleasure, and I implore any aspiring (or experienced!) creatives interested in learning the CNC, especially as it pertains to guitar making, to explore this wonderful opportunity!
CNC GUITAR BUILDING COURSE DETAILS
2 WEEK
introductory cnc course- COURSE TYPE On-site; hands-on; one-on-one.
- CERTIFICATE PROGRAM Yes
- AREAS OF STUDY CNC - includes both CAD and CAM components; drafting jigs, signs and smaller guitar parts using Rhino 3D; use of Vectric VCarve and Fusion 360 to generate tool-paths and G-code from 3D models.
- PROJECTS small parts; guitar templates; boxes; signs etc.
- COURSE DURATION 10 Days (spanning two weeks; weekends off).
- HOURS 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- DEPOSIT $600 (includes $100 registration fee)
- NEXT AVAILABLE COURSE DATE SEPT. 12, 2022
4 WEEK
intermediate cnc course- COURSE TYPE On-site; hands-on; one-on-one.
- CERTIFICATE PROGRAM Yes
- AREAS OF STUDY CNC - includes both CAD and CAM components; drafting a guitar using Rhino 3D; use of Fusion 360 to generate tool-paths and G-code from 3D models; CNC milling of Tele-style guitar body / neck using AXIOM AR8 PRO CNC as well as Vectric VCarve Pro software; sanding and finishing; wiring; electronics; guitar assembly and setup (*time permitting).
- HARDWARE Responsibility of the student.
- PROJECTS small parts; guitar templates; finished 'Tele-style' guitar and neck.
- COURSE DURATION 20 days (spanning one month; weekends off)
- HOURS 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- DEPOSIT $600 (includes $100 registration fee)
- NEXT AVAILABLE COURSE DATE SEPT. 12, 2022
8 WEEK
advanced cnc course- COURSE TYPE On-site; hands-on; one-on-one
- CERTIFICATE PROGRAM Yes
- AREAS OF STUDY CNC - includes both CAD and CAM components; drafting a guitar using Rhino 3D; use of Fusion 360 to generate tool-paths and G-code from 3D models; CNC milling of Tele-style guitar body / neck using AXIOM AR8 PRO CNC as well as Vectric VCarve Pro software; sanding and finishing; wiring; electronics; guitar assembly and setup (*time permitting); design principles for creating original instruments; creating a unique 'final project' electric guitar or bass.
- HARDWARE Responsibility of the student.
- PROJECTS small parts; guitar templates; finished 'Tele-style' guitar and neck; Unique final guitar project.
- COURSE DURATION 40 days (spanning two months; weekends off)
- HOURS 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- DEPOSIT $600 (includes $100 registration fee)
- NEXT AVAILABLE COURSE DATE SEPT. 12, 2022
We ask that you review our School Policies before registering.
No. The 2, 4 and 8-week courses take a ground-up approach, and each lesson builds off the previous to get you confident with the software, orient you to the CNC machine itself and have you milling by the end of the course. With any of the three courses, you’ll have a solid foundation from which to move forward in your own shop as a hobbyist or professional.
All three courses offer training that is geared toward guitar making. However, even if your interests lie outside the realm of guitar making, you’ll be able to take the knowledge you gain from these courses and apply them as a maker of CNC signs, wooden boxes, and various other CNC projects. If your interests are that of a ‘maker’, only, and you’d just like a well-rounded CAD and CAM training to get you going with your own CNC, the 2-week course is a great place to start.
The 2-week course is set-up to give you a working knowledge of the CAD portion of the CNC process. CAD stands for ‘Computer Aided Design’ and speaks to the software end of the CNC process. The CAD program we’ll be using is ‘Rhino 3D’ and serves as the design application from which we’ll be drawing parts to be cut by the CNC.
CAM, or ‘Computer Aided Manufacturing’ speaks to the software that essentially converts your design to a code (or ‘G-code’) that the CNC can read and output.
In this 2-week course, you’ll be learning both CAD and CAM applications and will then be cutting out smaller parts such as templates, jigs, boxes, signs and so forth. NOTE: Due to time constraints, no instruments will be made during the 2-week program.
** If you wish to leave with an actual guitar that you’ve milled on the CNC and assembled, consider the 4- or 8-week courses described below.
The 4-week program picks up where the 2-week program ends and takes a deeper dive into using the CNC for guitar making. Students will draw and mill (‘CNC’) both a T-Style guitar body and neck. NOTE: Due to time constraints, guitar finishing, wiring, setup, assembly and so forth are not part of the course. Your guitar neck and body will be completely carved, and time permitting, sanded and ready for assembly in your own shop.
The 8-week program explores more deeply the elements of guitar design. In addition to a completely carved T-Style guitar neck and body, students will gain a deeper understanding of advanced CAD principles, design unique guitar of their own choosing and mill (CNC) the guitar to at least an ‘in the white’ stage. Time permitting, students can also hand-finish their second guitar.
No. Classes run Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 4:00 PM with an hour break for lunch. Please review our ‘School Policies‘ for more information.
As you’ll be in a working shop, hearing protection, safety glasses, a dust-mask, and appropriate footwear is recommended. If you’d like a specific list of items, I can message that to you with links.
Also required is your own laptop to run either the ‘trial’ or purchased versions of the Rhino 3D software as well as Fusion 360. We do not supply laptops or software. A mouse with a scroll-wheel is also required.
Notebooks, binders and pens / pencils are recommended.
NOTE: We do not provide third-party or pirated software to students. Please don’t ask.
In the 4-week CNC course, you will be making a Tele-style electric guitar.
‘CAD’ refers to the program you’ll be using to design your instrument; CAM refers to the output program for machining your guitar. Both CAD and CAM comprise the big picture of CNC milling.
In the 8-week CNC course, you will be making a Tele-style electric guitar just like in the 4-week course.
In addition, we will explore the elements of design for guitar building and using Rhino 3D as our CAD platform, completely model your own unique design, bring it into our CAM program (Fusion 360) and generate tool-paths and g-code in prep for milling your final project.
The 8-week course is concluded with the final milling of your own guitar. If time permits, hand-finishing, assembly and setup will take place as well. Pease note that the emphasis of the CNC course is on learning to design and mill your projects, not on finishing and assembly. If building a guitar to completion interests you, consider one of our more in-depth guitar building courses.
Yes. In this case, I recommend taking the shorter 2-week course as you will learn the same principles of CAD and CAM for milling both soft and hardwoods.
Additionally, you will gain the experience of drawing up parts such as signs and boxes. With these principles, you’ll be able to expand your skillsets as a hobbyist, maker and professional… the sky is the limit.
The next available course date will always be listed as the last item in the chart above. If you are interested in securing a date not listed, feel free to contact me and we can discuss availability. All courses require a $500, deposit as well as a registration fee. Please see our ‘Registration and Payment Policies‘ before registering.
If you have a specific start-date in mind, please contact me to discuss. It may mean that we double you up with another student, but class sizes will never exceed two students at any one time so that I can provide you with the dedicated attention required to make your building experience a great one. Please note that apart from the weekends or statutory holidays, I will not further break up a given course time-frame.
The button above will process your $500 deposit as well as your $100 registration fee via PayPal. If you do not have a PayPal account, you can send your deposit via eTransfer to mike [@] whitneyguitars [dot] com or as a bank draft made payable to ‘Michael Whitney’.
Once payment has been received, I will message you directly to welcome you to the course and answer any additional questions you may have.
NOTE: The remainder of the course fee is due on the first day of class for our 7-day and 14 day courses. Longer 3-month, 6-month and 1-year course fees may be made in monthly instalments or paid in full on the first day of class. Please see our ‘Registration and Payment Policies‘ for more information.
We do not offer accommodations on site. However, most of our students stay at local AirBnBs. The Okanagan valley is a tourist mecca boasting endless wine-tasting, stunning scenery and tons of outdoor activities. You’ll definitely love the quaint town of Summerland and the surrounding area.
While there are many AirBnB locations in Summerland and the surrounding area, one of our recommended AirBnB locations is:
Yes. All courses require a $500 deposit as well as a $100, non-refundable registration fee to secure your spot.
For our 7-day and 14 day courses, the balance of the course fees are due upon the first day of class. Four our longer 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year programs, a monthly payment schedule will be emailed to you upon registration, or you are welcome to pay your course fees in full on the first day of class. For more information, please review our ‘Registration and Payment Policies‘.
Your deposit can be submitted via PayPal by using the button above, via eTransfer to: mike [@] whitneyguitars [dot] com., or by way of a bank draft made payable to ‘Michael Whitney’. Upon receipt of your deposit, I will reach out to welcome you to the course and answer any additional questions you may have.
Yes. Students requesting a specific start date or those wanting to pre-register are encouraged to register as far in advance as possible.
If you have questions about coming course availability, feel free to contact me to discuss.
Pease note that the emphasis of the CNC course is on learning to design and mill your projects, not on finishing and assembly. If building a guitar to completion interests you, consider one of our more in-depth guitar building courses.
For the smaller projects completed in the 2-week course, hand rubbed finishes such as TruOil or Wipe-on poly can be applied. We often encourage students to do this in the evenings so that our class time can be concentrated on the lesson-plan.
During the 4-week course (time permitting), a hand-rubbed stain and / or oil finish can be applied to the ‘Tele-style’ guitar body and neck. Again, our goal with the CNC courses is on CNC training and not in finishing and electronics.
For the 8-week course, students have the choice of applying a coloured stain and / or a TruOil finish on both guitars they create.
If students run out of time and would like me to finish their guitar(s), I can do that at an additional cost.
As hardware costs and preferences can vary greatly, students are responsible for supplying their own hardware (tuning machines, pickups and so forth). If you have hardware you want to bring to the course you are welcome to do so. Alternately, we can choose hardware together during the initial days of your course so that they are ready come time for assembly. Turnaround time for parts is typically 2 days via FedEx to our shop.
If you want to build your own guitar or have a unique idea for a project, feel free to contact me and we can discuss your vision. However, in the interest of time and in producing the best result, we recommend that students ‘walk before they run’. You can experiment on your own time once you have the foundational skills; that is our goal, especially in the 2-week ‘basic’ and 4-week ‘intermediate’ CNC programs. For the 8-week ‘advanced’ program, we will supply basic woods such as maple, walnut and ash. As the design ‘dream’ can vary so widely for each student’s final project, hardware is the responsibility of the student. NOTE: We will be placing orders for final-project hardware near the end of the first month so students should budget accordingly.
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As an alternative, you may want to consider one of our other in-depth 3-, 6-, or 12-month guitar building courses as each takes a deeper look into blueprinting, mold-making and conceptualizing your designs after gaining a foundation with more fundamental guitar projects. Read more about our Guitar Building Courses.
Please review our ‘Registration and Payment Policies’, here.
Of course. For all other inquiries, feel check our ‘General FAQs‘ or free to send me a note through the contact form.